Time flies. It'll be February tomorrow. That means we'd be home in just about 2 months.
So are we excited?
Well, kinda.
Family and church make me wanna be home.
I miss the boys. I miss watching them grow up, learn new stuff. I miss going out after church with family. I miss celebrating all their birthdays. I miss extended mealtimes with family, especially now that CNY is just around the corner.
I miss my church. Attending church here is just different. Yes, same God, but the church is different. We literally have to drag ourselves to church every Sunday. And if we succeed in dragging ourselves there, we're off once the service is over. No connection. No friends.
The Singapore education system is the only thing we are not looking forward to going back to. The stress levels. The expectations. The exams, spellings, tests and projects.
It seems like just yesterday we unpacked our boxes. And it's just about time for us to be packing our boxes again.
I know these 8 weeks are just gone zoom by. But we are definitely gonna make the best of whatever days left here.
Another thing I know is that I may not have that much time to cook and bake when I get back. That's why I have been baking and knitting/crocheting so much lately.
It's gonna be an awesome 2 months! =)
Monday, 31 January 2011
Sunday, 30 January 2011
snow
After much anticipation, it finally snowed this afternoon!
It was very cold the day before, thought that it would snow. But the sun came out just before noon, and no signs of snow.
Continued to be chilly today.
Gals and I went out for a short while and were back about 2pm. Then gals decided to play outside while I vacuumed the floor.
While vacuuming, I faintly heard some shouting. Switched off the machine and realised that Rachelle was yelling for me from downstairs.
When I reached the veranda, she was no longer there. Then I noticed some stuff floating in the air. Reminded me of 7th month festivities, the ashes flying everywhere. So I quickly entered the house and shut the windows, worried that they will fly into the house and dirty my newly vacuumed floors.
Then I thought to myself, no burning of incense here what? How can that be ashes? Then it dawned upon me that it was actually snow!
I went out again, and yes, indeed it was snowing! =)
Quickly went downstairs to join the gals. It was freezing, but it was so fun standing in the snow.
It snowed for just about an hour before the sun shone through the clouds again, and melted whatever little snowfall there was.
A pretty sight! =)
It was very cold the day before, thought that it would snow. But the sun came out just before noon, and no signs of snow.
Continued to be chilly today.
Gals and I went out for a short while and were back about 2pm. Then gals decided to play outside while I vacuumed the floor.
While vacuuming, I faintly heard some shouting. Switched off the machine and realised that Rachelle was yelling for me from downstairs.
When I reached the veranda, she was no longer there. Then I noticed some stuff floating in the air. Reminded me of 7th month festivities, the ashes flying everywhere. So I quickly entered the house and shut the windows, worried that they will fly into the house and dirty my newly vacuumed floors.
Then I thought to myself, no burning of incense here what? How can that be ashes? Then it dawned upon me that it was actually snow!
I went out again, and yes, indeed it was snowing! =)
Quickly went downstairs to join the gals. It was freezing, but it was so fun standing in the snow.
It snowed for just about an hour before the sun shone through the clouds again, and melted whatever little snowfall there was.
A pretty sight! =)
Friday, 28 January 2011
pineapple tarts
Browsing foodblogs is my latest hobby for now. So as I was browsing last night, I remembered I had once tagged a recipe for pineapple tarts as one of my favourite webpages.
The more I compared that recipe with a few others, the one I had really looked easy and do-able. But still, dared not try as I have heard how tedious it is to make pineapple tarts from scratch.
This morning, I found the passion to want to bake them! I mean, already there is no CNY mood here, let's make some pineapple tarts! What is CNY without them! And I love those with the filling on the iside ones, rather than those sitting on the pastry type.
So I layered myself up (yes, it was a really cold day today, 3 layers at least), and marched to the nearest supermarket. Actually not too sure if I was able to find the ingredients that the recipe calls for.
I was most happy to find all that I needed at the supermarket. Even though a usual can of pineapples would cost a third of the price back home.
As I walked home, I was already thinking how I should be blogging about this. i was really so excited about this. I was so determined to make this work. =P
Borrowed a food processor from my neighbour and bravely, I started baking!
Actually, the most daunting part of making these tarts is preparing the pineapple filling. These are readily available in Singapore. The recipe cheated, and used canned pineapples instead of fresh ones for the filling. And it was super easy! Just canned pineapples and sugar! Not only did it turn out perfect, it tasted great too!
While I let the filling cool, I started to make the pastry dough. I was surprised how easy and nice the dough turned out to be. Very mellable and yet did not stick to the hand.
The recipe states that it would yield 24 tarts. But I thought it was too big and I wanted more tarts so that I dont have to do this again. So, with Joanna's help, we divided the dough and filling into 30 portions.
Joanna was quite good at shaping the tarts and she managed to do 7. Not too bad I thought. And she helped glaze the tarts with egg yolk just before we put them into the oven.
Really had no idea how the tarts were gonna turn out.
After about 30min, the house was smelling so nice and it was time to take them out from the oven.
I was so impressed with how they looked, nice and lightly browned. =)
Then there was the taste test. Joanna and I shared one, and it was awesome! Wished we could eat more but too precious. After tasting one, that means we only have 29 left. And we have another 6 more days to CNY. =P
The pastry was so crumbly, firm enough to be held. Once in the mouth, it seems to melt! Even hubby said it is nice, and he is not a fan of pineapple tarts.
Happy. =)
The more I compared that recipe with a few others, the one I had really looked easy and do-able. But still, dared not try as I have heard how tedious it is to make pineapple tarts from scratch.
This morning, I found the passion to want to bake them! I mean, already there is no CNY mood here, let's make some pineapple tarts! What is CNY without them! And I love those with the filling on the iside ones, rather than those sitting on the pastry type.
So I layered myself up (yes, it was a really cold day today, 3 layers at least), and marched to the nearest supermarket. Actually not too sure if I was able to find the ingredients that the recipe calls for.
I was most happy to find all that I needed at the supermarket. Even though a usual can of pineapples would cost a third of the price back home.
As I walked home, I was already thinking how I should be blogging about this. i was really so excited about this. I was so determined to make this work. =P
Borrowed a food processor from my neighbour and bravely, I started baking!
Actually, the most daunting part of making these tarts is preparing the pineapple filling. These are readily available in Singapore. The recipe cheated, and used canned pineapples instead of fresh ones for the filling. And it was super easy! Just canned pineapples and sugar! Not only did it turn out perfect, it tasted great too!
While I let the filling cool, I started to make the pastry dough. I was surprised how easy and nice the dough turned out to be. Very mellable and yet did not stick to the hand.
The recipe states that it would yield 24 tarts. But I thought it was too big and I wanted more tarts so that I dont have to do this again. So, with Joanna's help, we divided the dough and filling into 30 portions.
Joanna was quite good at shaping the tarts and she managed to do 7. Not too bad I thought. And she helped glaze the tarts with egg yolk just before we put them into the oven.
Really had no idea how the tarts were gonna turn out.
After about 30min, the house was smelling so nice and it was time to take them out from the oven.
I was so impressed with how they looked, nice and lightly browned. =)
Then there was the taste test. Joanna and I shared one, and it was awesome! Wished we could eat more but too precious. After tasting one, that means we only have 29 left. And we have another 6 more days to CNY. =P
The pastry was so crumbly, firm enough to be held. Once in the mouth, it seems to melt! Even hubby said it is nice, and he is not a fan of pineapple tarts.
Happy. =)
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
bicycle 2
Rachelle learnt to ride a bicycle about 2 years ago. She can now handle an adult's bicycle. I find it amazing cos the bicycle is definitely too big and tall for her. The way she mounts and demounts, is like how the old uncles do. One foot on pedal, push bike forward and mount. Coming off the bike is also in a similar fashion.
She has been asking for permission to run errands for us using the bike. But because I was still not willing to let go, she has not done so, till today.
We were out of milk and the supermarket is about 10min walk from where we stay. She begged for a chance to prove to me that she can handle the bike and get the milk.
I granted her permission.
The whole time she was gone, I think I never stopped praying. Wondering if she knows how to watch for traffic since she would be cycling on the road. Wondering if she knew the route there and back.
She was back very soon and looking very confident and proud of herself.
I was happy and proud of her too.
That means she can help me run more errands! =)
She has been asking for permission to run errands for us using the bike. But because I was still not willing to let go, she has not done so, till today.
We were out of milk and the supermarket is about 10min walk from where we stay. She begged for a chance to prove to me that she can handle the bike and get the milk.
I granted her permission.
The whole time she was gone, I think I never stopped praying. Wondering if she knows how to watch for traffic since she would be cycling on the road. Wondering if she knew the route there and back.
She was back very soon and looking very confident and proud of herself.
I was happy and proud of her too.
That means she can help me run more errands! =)
bicycle 1
Joanna had for the longest time procrastinated learning to ride a bicycle. She said she was afraid of falling. But the funny thing is this gal can already ride a unicycle!
Last Sunday, she suddenly asked me to go down with her cos she wanted to learn how to ride a bicycle. So I did. In the cold winter wind blowing on my face and without my gloves, I was freezing!
Thank God hubby came home soon after and took over the coaching job. =P
Joanna was fast. Hubby did not really hold onto her bike for long periods. She was already balancing herself on the bike, just that she was not able to do the turns just yet.
On Monday, she requested to go practice on the bicycle with a neighbour. After about 15min, she came running through the door, declaring that she can cycle! =)
And since, she has been riding during her free time.
Last Sunday, she suddenly asked me to go down with her cos she wanted to learn how to ride a bicycle. So I did. In the cold winter wind blowing on my face and without my gloves, I was freezing!
Thank God hubby came home soon after and took over the coaching job. =P
Joanna was fast. Hubby did not really hold onto her bike for long periods. She was already balancing herself on the bike, just that she was not able to do the turns just yet.
On Monday, she requested to go practice on the bicycle with a neighbour. After about 15min, she came running through the door, declaring that she can cycle! =)
And since, she has been riding during her free time.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
manage expectations
We have trying to help the gals manage their expectations when it comes to school back in Singapore. Telling them that they are most likely to be placed in an average class and may not be in the same class as their friends.
Since the beginning of the school year, I thought that it might be good to find out what classes the gals are going to and also to get the Scheme of Work (SOW) for their subjects.
Gals will miss the whole of term 1 and 1st week of term 2.
After writing about 4 emails to the gals' school in Singapore, I finally got a reply from them. (That's because I cc-ed all HODs on the last email.)
Rachelle's going to 5A and Joanna to 3A.
When I told this to them, their responses were so different. Rachelle was elated to be in the same class again with most of her P4 classmates. While Joanna remarked, 'Huh?! Means must study very hard leh!'
Both classes are top classes in the respective levels.
Frankly, I am worried, especially for their Chinese Language and composition writing. And after looking at their SOWs to see what we need to catch up for this year, I am even more anxious.
Gals are returning in term 2 week 2.
Topical Assessments and Oral Exams start in week 4.
Semestral Assessment 1 starts in week 8.
Told hubby that we too, need to manage our expectations. We know that our gals will work hard even if we dont tell them to. But we need to prepare them mentally that their SA1 results may not be what they used to get in previous years.
Really hope that they do not put too much pressure on themselves to excel, but to take time to get re-adjusted back to the Singapore school system.
Besides managing the gals' and our own expectations, we need to also manage that of the teachers'. Gonna write them an email soon.
We'll just have to do what we can here and not be anxious.
Pray with us. =)
Since the beginning of the school year, I thought that it might be good to find out what classes the gals are going to and also to get the Scheme of Work (SOW) for their subjects.
Gals will miss the whole of term 1 and 1st week of term 2.
After writing about 4 emails to the gals' school in Singapore, I finally got a reply from them. (That's because I cc-ed all HODs on the last email.)
Rachelle's going to 5A and Joanna to 3A.
When I told this to them, their responses were so different. Rachelle was elated to be in the same class again with most of her P4 classmates. While Joanna remarked, 'Huh?! Means must study very hard leh!'
Both classes are top classes in the respective levels.
Frankly, I am worried, especially for their Chinese Language and composition writing. And after looking at their SOWs to see what we need to catch up for this year, I am even more anxious.
Gals are returning in term 2 week 2.
Topical Assessments and Oral Exams start in week 4.
Semestral Assessment 1 starts in week 8.
Told hubby that we too, need to manage our expectations. We know that our gals will work hard even if we dont tell them to. But we need to prepare them mentally that their SA1 results may not be what they used to get in previous years.
Really hope that they do not put too much pressure on themselves to excel, but to take time to get re-adjusted back to the Singapore school system.
Besides managing the gals' and our own expectations, we need to also manage that of the teachers'. Gonna write them an email soon.
We'll just have to do what we can here and not be anxious.
Pray with us. =)
hooked
I said that I will not start another knitwork.
So I started to crochet. And I love it! =)
This is done in 3 days.
Now I am on to yet another corchet project.
Just bought 10 balls of yarn and already I have used up 4! =P
So I started to crochet. And I love it! =)
This is done in 3 days.
Now I am on to yet another corchet project.Just bought 10 balls of yarn and already I have used up 4! =P
Saturday, 22 January 2011
reality check
Tonight's devotion was about how we should always be followers of God, not 'everyone'. What everyone does is not always the right things to do.
At the end of the devotion, Joanna commented that she knows whose examples she is not going to follow.
'Who?' I asked.
'Mommy and daddy's,' was her reply.
*heart skipped a beat*
'Why?' I probed.
'Mommy says we shouldnt use bad words like 'shit' but she sometimes uses them. And daddy does not allow us to watch TV during meal times but at the breakfast table, he is using his iPod touch.'
Wow. I was dumbfounded for a while. There was nothing wrong with what she has just said.
Trying to salvage whatever pride left in me, I asked another question.
'Is there nothing from us that you would want to follow?' I asked.
'Have la. But very little,' she said matter-of-factly.
I then apologised for not being a good example to them and sought for their understanding that mommy and daddy are not perfect, we still make mistakes like everyone else.
Tonight's was a good reality check for hubby and I.
Our children are sometimes our best mirrors.
Do we like what we see?
At the end of the devotion, Joanna commented that she knows whose examples she is not going to follow.
'Who?' I asked.
'Mommy and daddy's,' was her reply.
*heart skipped a beat*
'Why?' I probed.
'Mommy says we shouldnt use bad words like 'shit' but she sometimes uses them. And daddy does not allow us to watch TV during meal times but at the breakfast table, he is using his iPod touch.'
Wow. I was dumbfounded for a while. There was nothing wrong with what she has just said.
Trying to salvage whatever pride left in me, I asked another question.
'Is there nothing from us that you would want to follow?' I asked.
'Have la. But very little,' she said matter-of-factly.
I then apologised for not being a good example to them and sought for their understanding that mommy and daddy are not perfect, we still make mistakes like everyone else.
Tonight's was a good reality check for hubby and I.
Our children are sometimes our best mirrors.
Do we like what we see?
Thursday, 20 January 2011
flattered
Received a message from an ex-colleague on FB. She has also resigned as a teacher and is currently working with an educational publishing company.
The company is looking for voices to record their listening texts. She was so excited about the project that she told her project leader that she has a friend who has a DJ voice.
*blush*
So flattered ah.
Of course I jumped at the opportunity to try this out. I have to record me reading a comprehension text and email her. She will then give it to her boss to see if i make the cut.
Then there was this other issue about timing. It all happens so nicely that if I made it, recordings will only happen end March! That's when we return to Singapore! =)
She asked to quote them a price, a payment, per hour.
I absolutely have no clue. So that was what I told her. Then she asked me to take as a gauge, the company is paying someone, with experience, $200/hr.
*fwah*
Let's see how it goes la. See if I am what they are looking for first, before we talk money. =P
I am so looking forward to this.
This is so fun!
The company is looking for voices to record their listening texts. She was so excited about the project that she told her project leader that she has a friend who has a DJ voice.
*blush*
So flattered ah.
Of course I jumped at the opportunity to try this out. I have to record me reading a comprehension text and email her. She will then give it to her boss to see if i make the cut.
Then there was this other issue about timing. It all happens so nicely that if I made it, recordings will only happen end March! That's when we return to Singapore! =)
She asked to quote them a price, a payment, per hour.
I absolutely have no clue. So that was what I told her. Then she asked me to take as a gauge, the company is paying someone, with experience, $200/hr.
*fwah*
Let's see how it goes la. See if I am what they are looking for first, before we talk money. =P
I am so looking forward to this.
This is so fun!
sweet
Hubby was at a 宴会{enkai} tonight. On usual nights, he would join his friends for a 2nd party. That means more drinks after the 宴会. But tonight, he had already promised that he would not be going for the 2nd party.
So hubby was back before 8.30pm. =)
As he was telling the gals and I how fun the 宴会was, I asked if he was the only one not going for the 2nd party. To which his reply was 'yes'.
I noticed Rachelle's facial expression. It was a delicate mix of surprised and touched. And immediately, she rose from her seat, got out a bowl from the cupboard and started to scoop rice for hubby.
I quickly told hubby what I witnessed and Rachelle was so shy. She kept denying and said that I have misinterpreted her facial expression and her actions. *yah rite*
It's just so nice to see how different the relationship between them is right now. It has been a 180 degrees turn from before we left Singapore.
Grateful. =)
So hubby was back before 8.30pm. =)
As he was telling the gals and I how fun the 宴会was, I asked if he was the only one not going for the 2nd party. To which his reply was 'yes'.
I noticed Rachelle's facial expression. It was a delicate mix of surprised and touched. And immediately, she rose from her seat, got out a bowl from the cupboard and started to scoop rice for hubby.
I quickly told hubby what I witnessed and Rachelle was so shy. She kept denying and said that I have misinterpreted her facial expression and her actions. *yah rite*
It's just so nice to see how different the relationship between them is right now. It has been a 180 degrees turn from before we left Singapore.
Grateful. =)
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
knit
Completed the 4th and final ball of yarn today! And my new muffler scarf is all ready to be used! =)
This is the first time that I have knitted anything in my life. Even if I had started a project in the past, I dont remember completing it.
I am so proud of this. Though it was just a very simple project, no fancy needlework, it was still very rewarding. But I dont think I'll ever embark on anther knitting project.
There is just not enough reason to start one.It is time-consuming.
There is no winter in Singapore.
And it's just too warm to be wearing anything knitted.
So there, my first and (probably) last knitwork. =)
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
food-ful morning
Made a new batch of glutinous rice and 2 mini butter cakes.
Time really flies when you are having fun! =)
Time really flies when you are having fun! =)
Saturday, 15 January 2011
S.A.L.E.S.
I love sales! =)
Especially those at H&M. Never knew of such a brand till I came to Japan. Some how the cutting and the fit are just right for me. Sometimes it makes me feel that they have made their clothes just to fit me! =P
Today, after a satisfying buffet lunch with the gals, we headed to H&M. Big red signs that spell SALES were all over their shop window. Maybe it was a little cold to be outdoors, there werent too many people in the store though it is a Saturday.
Pants and jeans were going for as low as 1000yen, with translates to less than SGD16 per pair!The best part of it all, because Japanese ladies are just so petite, the sizes that were left behind were mostly mine!
Undies were like just 100yen for 3 pairs! That's about 50 cents per pair!
So, after about an hour in the store, I left with 2 pairs of pants, 1 pair of jeans and a decent number of intimate wear. All that for less than 3500yen! That's under SGD55!
So happy! =))
Especially those at H&M. Never knew of such a brand till I came to Japan. Some how the cutting and the fit are just right for me. Sometimes it makes me feel that they have made their clothes just to fit me! =P
Today, after a satisfying buffet lunch with the gals, we headed to H&M. Big red signs that spell SALES were all over their shop window. Maybe it was a little cold to be outdoors, there werent too many people in the store though it is a Saturday.
Pants and jeans were going for as low as 1000yen, with translates to less than SGD16 per pair!The best part of it all, because Japanese ladies are just so petite, the sizes that were left behind were mostly mine!
Undies were like just 100yen for 3 pairs! That's about 50 cents per pair!
So, after about an hour in the store, I left with 2 pairs of pants, 1 pair of jeans and a decent number of intimate wear. All that for less than 3500yen! That's under SGD55!
So happy! =))
Friday, 14 January 2011
getting paid
The gals have been lamenting how they are not given any pocket money here in Japan.
Well, lunch is prepared for by the school every day and there is neither a bookshop nor a canteen in the school. So why should they be given pocket money?
But they have been murmuring how if they had money, they would be able to save some and buy something when they had enough saved up.
And so, Rachelle suggested that she could do chores in the house and earn some money.
Initially hubby was agreeable to the idea, but I had my reservations.
Why should there be a price tagged to chores? Shouldnt it be done out of love? Out of care for the family? And not done because I am getting paid for it?
I know many parents who are doing this: rewarding their children in monetary form. It can be for an array of reasons, like getting good grades, washing the car, helping out at home, running errands, being obedient, and the list goes on.
But what everyone is doing does not make it the right thing to do, does it?
Personally, I feel that if I were to pay my kids for helping out in the house, that sounds so wrong. The subliminal message sent across is that I must get paid for doing something, even helping another. There is this mentality taught subconsciously: What am I getting in return?
So hubby and I talked over it. We then agreed that the gals should not be paid if they were to help out in the house, nor do anything for us, for money.
Then we explained our rationale to the gals and I am so glad that they understood where we are coming from.
Rachelle understood it so well that she made a Chores Coupon booklet for us. On each coupon, is written a chore that she is able to do, like make everyone's bed. And when we use the coupon, she will do it for free!
This system still has it's flaws. Like they only do or help out in the house only when asked.
But still, I think it is a much better system than getting paid for doing so!
Told the gals that money will be given them when they need it. Or when they wanna buy certain things, depending on its value and purpose, we will get it for them.
When we return to Singapore, they will get their pocket money because it is then necessary to have when in school.
There shouldnt be a price tag for love shown.
Well, lunch is prepared for by the school every day and there is neither a bookshop nor a canteen in the school. So why should they be given pocket money?
But they have been murmuring how if they had money, they would be able to save some and buy something when they had enough saved up.
And so, Rachelle suggested that she could do chores in the house and earn some money.
Initially hubby was agreeable to the idea, but I had my reservations.
Why should there be a price tagged to chores? Shouldnt it be done out of love? Out of care for the family? And not done because I am getting paid for it?
I know many parents who are doing this: rewarding their children in monetary form. It can be for an array of reasons, like getting good grades, washing the car, helping out at home, running errands, being obedient, and the list goes on.
But what everyone is doing does not make it the right thing to do, does it?
Personally, I feel that if I were to pay my kids for helping out in the house, that sounds so wrong. The subliminal message sent across is that I must get paid for doing something, even helping another. There is this mentality taught subconsciously: What am I getting in return?
So hubby and I talked over it. We then agreed that the gals should not be paid if they were to help out in the house, nor do anything for us, for money.
Then we explained our rationale to the gals and I am so glad that they understood where we are coming from.
Rachelle understood it so well that she made a Chores Coupon booklet for us. On each coupon, is written a chore that she is able to do, like make everyone's bed. And when we use the coupon, she will do it for free!
This system still has it's flaws. Like they only do or help out in the house only when asked.
But still, I think it is a much better system than getting paid for doing so!
Told the gals that money will be given them when they need it. Or when they wanna buy certain things, depending on its value and purpose, we will get it for them.
When we return to Singapore, they will get their pocket money because it is then necessary to have when in school.
There shouldnt be a price tag for love shown.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
mommy and the gals
It's just gonna be the gals and i for the next 7 days. Hubby's away to Okinawa and some other islands with the college. So in order to save some electricity, the gals are gonna be sleeping with me, so that we have to use only one heater in the night.
As it is not too cold today, lots of sun and all, the gals have gone out to play. And so the house is so quiet now. It has not been this quiet for a very long time. Feels kinda funny.
Think the most difficult would be the weekends. Wondering what the gals and i are gonna do. Maybe we could bake? Go out for a nice buffet lunch? That's about all i could think of right now. Cos it's getting to cold to be outdoors for long periods of time, so we cant do stuff like a picnic.
Back to 6 hours of me-time for the next 7 days. Since hubby had been out of college for more than a month, i kinda have forgotten how it was like already to have all 6 hours/day all to myself. Seems like a lots of time to me. Yikes! =(
Think i should start packing too.
It's just 2.5 more months here.
As it is not too cold today, lots of sun and all, the gals have gone out to play. And so the house is so quiet now. It has not been this quiet for a very long time. Feels kinda funny.
Think the most difficult would be the weekends. Wondering what the gals and i are gonna do. Maybe we could bake? Go out for a nice buffet lunch? That's about all i could think of right now. Cos it's getting to cold to be outdoors for long periods of time, so we cant do stuff like a picnic.
Back to 6 hours of me-time for the next 7 days. Since hubby had been out of college for more than a month, i kinda have forgotten how it was like already to have all 6 hours/day all to myself. Seems like a lots of time to me. Yikes! =(
Think i should start packing too.
It's just 2.5 more months here.
Monday, 10 January 2011
resigned
in another 2 hours... i will be officially unemployed...
tendered my resignation this afternoon... and within 30 minutes... my principal gave me her blessings... and MOE replied that my last day of service would be today...
thank God... everything was so smooth... so quick... so pleasant... =)
tendered my resignation this afternoon... and within 30 minutes... my principal gave me her blessings... and MOE replied that my last day of service would be today...
thank God... everything was so smooth... so quick... so pleasant... =)
Saturday, 8 January 2011
knitting
2 of their closer korean friends had started knitting some time ago... and while joanna was at their house playing... she tried to knit... and she loved it..!
over the new year... they each received an 'ang pow' from the parents of our host when we were ar Ishikawa-ken... so joanna decided to start knitting with the money she had...
upon her request... brought her to Daiso at Harajuku... where she bought her yarn and knitting needles... rachelle too decided that she would start knitting too...
but on the way home... joanna dropped her knitting needles and had to go to another mall to get them.... 5 times the cost of that at Daiso... so reluctantly... she parted with her money to buy another pair of knitting needles...
and so... the gals started knitting... joanna is really into it... and she is good at it too... she observed how i started the project for her... and how i remedied some of their mistakes... and very soon... she was on auto-pilot...
i cant say the same for rachelle though... tried as hard as she could... she kept making mistakes in her knit-work... and kept calling me for help like every other 2 minutes... which frustrated me much too...
but we soon realise that knitting is really not her thing... she is good at other stuff... like drawing... creating stuff from scrap... singing... dancing... studies... but just not knitting... and she has learnt to accept it...
and guess who inherited her yarn and needles..? =P
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
still entertaining
we had a japanese couple over for dinner tonight... they have plans to visit singapore some time this year...
as we would mot probably be putting them up at our place during their holiday... the husband suggested for the wives to get to know each other better... and so we hosted them tonight...
we had chicken rice... bak kut teh... stir-fry shrimp with broccoli... and as for desserts... strawberries with condensed milk... and home-baked cornflake cookies... we were drinking beer... wine... coffee...
cooking started as early as 2pm... with joanna going around to help me borrow a stock pot... large enough to fully submerge a 1.5kg chicken in it... =P
think i caught the flu bug or something... my nose was stuffy the whole day... yet runny... causing my eyes to be watery at times... so i was not really confident of the outcome of the dishes...
but thank God... it was all well... from the guests... hubby and gals... dinner was delish..! =)
i was exceptionally pleased with how the gals carried themselves... they were able to hold their own conversations with the guests... sat at the table throughout dinner... no need for any electronic 'distractions'...
the best part was when the guests had left... rachelle helped clear the table... wiped the table... then the gals did their online devotion... and then said their own prayers... and tucked themselves to bed... and very soon were fast asleep...
more to come... =)
as we would mot probably be putting them up at our place during their holiday... the husband suggested for the wives to get to know each other better... and so we hosted them tonight...
we had chicken rice... bak kut teh... stir-fry shrimp with broccoli... and as for desserts... strawberries with condensed milk... and home-baked cornflake cookies... we were drinking beer... wine... coffee...
cooking started as early as 2pm... with joanna going around to help me borrow a stock pot... large enough to fully submerge a 1.5kg chicken in it... =P
think i caught the flu bug or something... my nose was stuffy the whole day... yet runny... causing my eyes to be watery at times... so i was not really confident of the outcome of the dishes...
but thank God... it was all well... from the guests... hubby and gals... dinner was delish..! =)
i was exceptionally pleased with how the gals carried themselves... they were able to hold their own conversations with the guests... sat at the table throughout dinner... no need for any electronic 'distractions'...
the best part was when the guests had left... rachelle helped clear the table... wiped the table... then the gals did their online devotion... and then said their own prayers... and tucked themselves to bed... and very soon were fast asleep...
more to come... =)
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
first day of school
reading the updates on FB made me see how different singaporean parents are... as compared to japanese ones...
in singapore... the first day of school is always very chaotic... for every P1 pupil you see... there are at least 2 adults... some more... plus maid... plus grandparents... plus siblings...
the canteen and front porch are swarmed with anxious caregivers... armed with cameras... and video cameras... waving frantically... trying to catch the attention of the already overwhelmed kid...
and this scene... depending on schools... lasts about 3 days to a week...
here in japan... it is a totally different story...
all pupils walk to school... children are enrolled into schools based on where they live... so that there is no need for public transportation...
P1 pupils gather together... usually from the same living compound... then an older pupil will lead them to school... no parent tags along... no cars jamming the roads in front of the school...
and after school... they walk back home... in the same group...
personally... i prefer the japanese way... before i came to japan... i thought that my gals were independent... but after being here... i realise that japanese kids are far more independent... and less sheltered too...
gonna be back in the singapore system in less than 3 months... praying that the gals will adapt back smoothly... and quickly...
in singapore... the first day of school is always very chaotic... for every P1 pupil you see... there are at least 2 adults... some more... plus maid... plus grandparents... plus siblings...
the canteen and front porch are swarmed with anxious caregivers... armed with cameras... and video cameras... waving frantically... trying to catch the attention of the already overwhelmed kid...
and this scene... depending on schools... lasts about 3 days to a week...
here in japan... it is a totally different story...
all pupils walk to school... children are enrolled into schools based on where they live... so that there is no need for public transportation...
P1 pupils gather together... usually from the same living compound... then an older pupil will lead them to school... no parent tags along... no cars jamming the roads in front of the school...
and after school... they walk back home... in the same group...
personally... i prefer the japanese way... before i came to japan... i thought that my gals were independent... but after being here... i realise that japanese kids are far more independent... and less sheltered too...
gonna be back in the singapore system in less than 3 months... praying that the gals will adapt back smoothly... and quickly...
cook for me
as i was cooking dinner just now... the fragrance of the garlic browning in the pan filled the house... and joanna came out from her room... sniffing in hard... enjoying the aroma...
and she asked...
'will mommy continue to cook for me when we get back to singapore?'...
then i had to remind her that i will be going to work when we get back... and her face fell... and then asked again...
'can you then cook for me when you are on leave... or not working?'...
of course i can... i'd love to..! =)
it just felt so good to hear her ask me those questions... really feel so appreciated... i dun think my cooking is fantastic at all... but i guess this gal likes the idea of having mommy stay home... and doing mommy-stuff... basically just be around for her...
i'd love to... once in a while... but i dun think i can handle being a SAHM forever... =P
and she asked...
'will mommy continue to cook for me when we get back to singapore?'...
then i had to remind her that i will be going to work when we get back... and her face fell... and then asked again...
'can you then cook for me when you are on leave... or not working?'...
of course i can... i'd love to..! =)
it just felt so good to hear her ask me those questions... really feel so appreciated... i dun think my cooking is fantastic at all... but i guess this gal likes the idea of having mommy stay home... and doing mommy-stuff... basically just be around for her...
i'd love to... once in a while... but i dun think i can handle being a SAHM forever... =P
Monday, 3 January 2011
snowy new year..!
new year... new experiences..!
was away at hubby's buddy's hometown over the new year... another prefecture... up north... near the japan sea... checked the weather forecast before we left... and it showed snow..!
of course we were thrilled... but not too sure if we gonna like it... cos have never experienced snow before... not too sure how much to wear... or what to wear to keep warm...
but our anxieties were all washed away on our train ride there... it began to snow halfway... and looking at the snowy white landscapes... made us wanna get out there to touch and experience the snow..!
the gals just couldnt stop going 'wow' in the train... just so thrilled to see snow... for real... falling from the sky... we were told that it had not snowed in that particular prefecture for the past 5 years... God made it snow for us..! =P
so many new experiences... crossing into 2011 the japanese way... having slept in a japanese-styled house... in our futons on a winter's night... with electric blankets... touched snow... made snowman... snowball fights... snow angels... best sashimi... snow crab... so many..!
it was indeed a very memorable new year's day for us... what a great way to kick start 2011..! the beginning of many new experiences for us... as individuals... and as a family...
was away at hubby's buddy's hometown over the new year... another prefecture... up north... near the japan sea... checked the weather forecast before we left... and it showed snow..!
of course we were thrilled... but not too sure if we gonna like it... cos have never experienced snow before... not too sure how much to wear... or what to wear to keep warm...
but our anxieties were all washed away on our train ride there... it began to snow halfway... and looking at the snowy white landscapes... made us wanna get out there to touch and experience the snow..!
the gals just couldnt stop going 'wow' in the train... just so thrilled to see snow... for real... falling from the sky... we were told that it had not snowed in that particular prefecture for the past 5 years... God made it snow for us..! =P
so many new experiences... crossing into 2011 the japanese way... having slept in a japanese-styled house... in our futons on a winter's night... with electric blankets... touched snow... made snowman... snowball fights... snow angels... best sashimi... snow crab... so many..!
it was indeed a very memorable new year's day for us... what a great way to kick start 2011..! the beginning of many new experiences for us... as individuals... and as a family...
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
reflections of 2010
only 2 more days left of 2010...
i have been re-reading my blog... and amazed at how God has positioned us... and how He has been faithful... He has been good... He has been merciful...
the end 2009 was such an exciting time... it was also the start of a very uncertain journey... we knew by then we would be going to japan for a year... but no dates were given... though there were many uncertainties... i could feel deep within me... a peace that surpassed all understanding... i knew we were gonna be blessed beyond what we could imagine... and many ppl have come alongside to affirm that 2010 will be a year full of the Lord's blessings...
this year... 2010...
truly it was an amazing journey... i dun even know where to start to tell of all that we have been blessed with... it was truly a faith journey... how our faith has grown through the year... seeing Him answer our smallest prayer...
just before leaving for japan... i sensed in me that i would not be returning to teaching after one year... i would be involved in full time ministry... but the catch was this... it will not be in TPMC...
i could not see how it was ever gonna be happening at that time... if not TPMC... then where..? i have absolutely no qualification papers at all for any posts in any church... i dun play any instrument... i have not attended any bible college... seriously... i had nothing... but i left it as that... did not think much about it... just prayed with my eyes open...
then an opening to serve Him in full time capacity came... it literally fell from the sky... over FB chat... some time in august... and that's it... i was tentatively employed...
what i am about to do in 2011 is very exciting... stuff that i have never done before...
2010 has truly been an amazing year... although i hate for the year to come to an end... i do yearn for 2011 to come... i wanna see what God has in store for my family and i...
the past weeks have been seeking and praying... asking the Lord for a word in season... what will 2011 be like for us..?
and the message has been consistent...
'go and be a blessing to others'...
for as much as we have been blessed in 2010... our experiences... our walk... our journey... we are to be a blessing to others in 2011... and God has assured me that He will continue to bless us... that we will not be in lack as we bless others...
thanks for praying with us this year...
blessed new year everyone..! =)
i have been re-reading my blog... and amazed at how God has positioned us... and how He has been faithful... He has been good... He has been merciful...
the end 2009 was such an exciting time... it was also the start of a very uncertain journey... we knew by then we would be going to japan for a year... but no dates were given... though there were many uncertainties... i could feel deep within me... a peace that surpassed all understanding... i knew we were gonna be blessed beyond what we could imagine... and many ppl have come alongside to affirm that 2010 will be a year full of the Lord's blessings...
this year... 2010...
truly it was an amazing journey... i dun even know where to start to tell of all that we have been blessed with... it was truly a faith journey... how our faith has grown through the year... seeing Him answer our smallest prayer...
just before leaving for japan... i sensed in me that i would not be returning to teaching after one year... i would be involved in full time ministry... but the catch was this... it will not be in TPMC...
i could not see how it was ever gonna be happening at that time... if not TPMC... then where..? i have absolutely no qualification papers at all for any posts in any church... i dun play any instrument... i have not attended any bible college... seriously... i had nothing... but i left it as that... did not think much about it... just prayed with my eyes open...
then an opening to serve Him in full time capacity came... it literally fell from the sky... over FB chat... some time in august... and that's it... i was tentatively employed...
what i am about to do in 2011 is very exciting... stuff that i have never done before...
2010 has truly been an amazing year... although i hate for the year to come to an end... i do yearn for 2011 to come... i wanna see what God has in store for my family and i...
the past weeks have been seeking and praying... asking the Lord for a word in season... what will 2011 be like for us..?
and the message has been consistent...
'go and be a blessing to others'...
for as much as we have been blessed in 2010... our experiences... our walk... our journey... we are to be a blessing to others in 2011... and God has assured me that He will continue to bless us... that we will not be in lack as we bless others...
thanks for praying with us this year...
blessed new year everyone..! =)
Sunday, 26 December 2010
2-week holiday
school is closed till 11 jan 2011... school year does not end till march... so this is just a winter break...
will be making use of this time to cover more of the gals' syllabus from singapore... prepping them for their return... 2 hrs every day... for the next 2 weeks... =P
which also means that i will have to prepare lunch as well as dinner... lunches may be a little tricky as i will be coaching the gals form 9-11am... means that there is not much time for me to prepare for lunch...
in the mean time... we have already started to put aside stuff which we may be sending back home first... we have also started planning our return... lots of things to buy... prepare... and schedule...
now... what shall i prepare for lunch tmrw..?
will be making use of this time to cover more of the gals' syllabus from singapore... prepping them for their return... 2 hrs every day... for the next 2 weeks... =P
which also means that i will have to prepare lunch as well as dinner... lunches may be a little tricky as i will be coaching the gals form 9-11am... means that there is not much time for me to prepare for lunch...
in the mean time... we have already started to put aside stuff which we may be sending back home first... we have also started planning our return... lots of things to buy... prepare... and schedule...
now... what shall i prepare for lunch tmrw..?
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
christmas for me is...
because it's just so quiet... have been spending a lot of time... just thinking... just reflecting... was just thinking... what is christmas to me..?
parties..? gift-giving..?
yes... a large part of it... i must admit... it is a time for parties... and gift-giving... but when i think deeper... it's really more than that...
it just doesnt feel like christmas to me this year... is because... i am not sharing...
christmas is a time to share joy... to celebrate life... to tell another about the birth of Christ... all of which... i dun seem to be doing now...
christmas is a time for me to be involved in some evangelistic event... be it a musical... a seeker-service... anything... just to announce... to tell of Christ's birth...
maybe that's why i enjoy throwing parties... to share joy... to celebrate...
i even suggested to the gals... if we could go carolling... go knocking on our neighbours' doors... and just sing..!
but they were too shy to do it... thought it'll be fun... at least an opportunity to tell... or sing about the birth of Christ...
maybe there'll be a chance for me to share this year... to tell of the birth of Christ...
let's wait and see... =P
parties..? gift-giving..?
yes... a large part of it... i must admit... it is a time for parties... and gift-giving... but when i think deeper... it's really more than that...
it just doesnt feel like christmas to me this year... is because... i am not sharing...
christmas is a time to share joy... to celebrate life... to tell another about the birth of Christ... all of which... i dun seem to be doing now...
christmas is a time for me to be involved in some evangelistic event... be it a musical... a seeker-service... anything... just to announce... to tell of Christ's birth...
maybe that's why i enjoy throwing parties... to share joy... to celebrate...
i even suggested to the gals... if we could go carolling... go knocking on our neighbours' doors... and just sing..!
but they were too shy to do it... thought it'll be fun... at least an opportunity to tell... or sing about the birth of Christ...
maybe there'll be a chance for me to share this year... to tell of the birth of Christ...
let's wait and see... =P
christmas 2010
this must be the quietest... laziest... calmest... christmas by far...
usually... christmas time used to be one of the craziest times of the year... juggling rehearsals... planning of worship sets... christmas shopping... wrapping presents... coordinating parties... on top of all these... getting the gals ready for the next academic year... getting their books... wrapping the books... making sure that they can still fit into their uniforms...
the list goes on...
but this year... nothing... just visiting different malls to see their christmas illuminations... enjoying the cool weather... it's not even cold yet...
it's just 2 days to candlelight service... and it sure doesnt feel like christmas...
usually... christmas time used to be one of the craziest times of the year... juggling rehearsals... planning of worship sets... christmas shopping... wrapping presents... coordinating parties... on top of all these... getting the gals ready for the next academic year... getting their books... wrapping the books... making sure that they can still fit into their uniforms...
the list goes on...
but this year... nothing... just visiting different malls to see their christmas illuminations... enjoying the cool weather... it's not even cold yet...
it's just 2 days to candlelight service... and it sure doesnt feel like christmas...
phone
3 years... that's how long i have been holding onto the N95... too long...
this is a record for me... never have i held onto a phone for so long... usually before the contract is up... i'd be eyeing for a new one...
one of the first things that i will be buying myself... when i get back home... will be a new phone..! cant wait..! =P
this is a record for me... never have i held onto a phone for so long... usually before the contract is up... i'd be eyeing for a new one...
one of the first things that i will be buying myself... when i get back home... will be a new phone..! cant wait..! =P
devotions
2 days ago... we completed the last page of the daily devotional that we brought over... was wondering what to do... there was suggestion to start from day one... then i tried searching for one at amazon... but couldnt find anything suitable...
so last night... sitting in their beds... i asked joanna to choose a date... and she chose 8 feb... she said cos it's mommy's birthday... =)
and so... we did the devotional that was dated 8 feb...
tonight will be rachelle's turn to pick a date... think we'll make do with this system till i find something suitable online... =P
so last night... sitting in their beds... i asked joanna to choose a date... and she chose 8 feb... she said cos it's mommy's birthday... =)
and so... we did the devotional that was dated 8 feb...
tonight will be rachelle's turn to pick a date... think we'll make do with this system till i find something suitable online... =P
Saturday, 18 December 2010
our number game
2 days to lunch with host's wife
1 week to christmas
13 days to spending new year with a japanese family
2 weeks to new year
7 weeks to my birthday
2 months to weekend getaway with host family @ yamanashi
10 weeks to hubby's birthday
11 weeks to ski trip @ clubmed sahoro
14 weeks to going home
... ... ...
... ... ...
... ... ...
time flies
1 week to christmas
13 days to spending new year with a japanese family
2 weeks to new year
7 weeks to my birthday
2 months to weekend getaway with host family @ yamanashi
10 weeks to hubby's birthday
11 weeks to ski trip @ clubmed sahoro
14 weeks to going home
... ... ...
... ... ...
... ... ...
time flies
Thursday, 16 December 2010
ski gear
had waited a whole week for today's sale... actually... we chanced upon the announcement of the sale... while out having wagyu beef lunch... which makes it even more amazing... again a testimony of how God has provided for us...
before today's sale... we went about the shops... checking out prices... designs... and being first-timers... learnt from the various shops... and also the internet... on what is the essential gear for skiing...
it all seemed very expensive... costing about $400 just for one ski jacket... and just as much for the ski pants... the ones for children were not much cheaper too...
so we have been praying for ridiculously good bargains at the sale...
we reached early enough to be the first 50 in the queue... and the bargains were really good..!
and after 2 hours of shopping... we bought...
hubby...
ski jacket... ski pants... 2 pairs of socks... goggles... gloves...
gals...
ski jackets... ski pants... 2 pairs of socks each... goggles... gloves... neck warmers... beanies...
myself...
ski jacket... ski pants... 2 pairs of socks... goggles... gloves... neck warmer... beanie...
everything was less than half price... way less..!
let's go skiing..! =)
before today's sale... we went about the shops... checking out prices... designs... and being first-timers... learnt from the various shops... and also the internet... on what is the essential gear for skiing...
it all seemed very expensive... costing about $400 just for one ski jacket... and just as much for the ski pants... the ones for children were not much cheaper too...
so we have been praying for ridiculously good bargains at the sale...
we reached early enough to be the first 50 in the queue... and the bargains were really good..!
and after 2 hours of shopping... we bought...
hubby...
ski jacket... ski pants... 2 pairs of socks... goggles... gloves...
gals...
ski jackets... ski pants... 2 pairs of socks each... goggles... gloves... neck warmers... beanies...
myself...
ski jacket... ski pants... 2 pairs of socks... goggles... gloves... neck warmer... beanie...
everything was less than half price... way less..!
let's go skiing..! =)
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
rachelle's prayer
one of the devotions last week was about christian disciplines... and prayer was highlighted in that particular devotion... and so... the gals started taking turns to pray during devotions...
just 2 nights ago... this is how rachelle prayed...
'... ... pray that i will get good results for my PSLE... and mei mei... will get into the GEP next year...'
wow... 2 more years to PSLE for her... and she has already started praying... i see a top student in the making..! LOL
i'm just glad that my gals are praying... and for us as parents... we are thankful that we have persevered the daily devotions with them... seems to be reaping it's rewards...
keep growing in the Lord my darlings... =)
just 2 nights ago... this is how rachelle prayed...
'... ... pray that i will get good results for my PSLE... and mei mei... will get into the GEP next year...'
wow... 2 more years to PSLE for her... and she has already started praying... i see a top student in the making..! LOL
i'm just glad that my gals are praying... and for us as parents... we are thankful that we have persevered the daily devotions with them... seems to be reaping it's rewards...
keep growing in the Lord my darlings... =)
quiet morning
it's been a while... that i am just on my own in the mornings... hubby has been away from college for the past month... he doesnt need to attend the classes as they are meant only for the japanese students...
so we have been out on most days... which means more eating and spending... that explains the reading on my weighing machine... =(
this morning... he has gone to college to settle some admin stuff... like applying for leave for our trip...so it's just me and my coffee for now... =)
and he had to call me just now... to tell me the dates for his hokkaido trip in feb... with the college... only 3 days... and my birthday is sandwiched between those dates... that's 2 consecutive years that he is missing my birthday... hmph...
but considering how much time we have this year... ok la... anyways the 3 days are weekdays... at least it's not over the weekends... =P
so we have been out on most days... which means more eating and spending... that explains the reading on my weighing machine... =(
this morning... he has gone to college to settle some admin stuff... like applying for leave for our trip...so it's just me and my coffee for now... =)
and he had to call me just now... to tell me the dates for his hokkaido trip in feb... with the college... only 3 days... and my birthday is sandwiched between those dates... that's 2 consecutive years that he is missing my birthday... hmph...
but considering how much time we have this year... ok la... anyways the 3 days are weekdays... at least it's not over the weekends... =P
thoughts on parenting
buses here are really small... 20 passengers max... we were on one after church last sunday... then 2 mothers and their 2 sons boarded the bus... moms were japs... believe that the sons' fathers were africans...
the older boy was able to sit and be quiet... but oh... not the younger one... i reckon... about 6-7yo... and boy... wad a handful he was...
he refused to sit... wanted to run up and down the bus... and when mom tried to restrain him by grabbing the clothes of his left shoulder... he wiggled and whined... and then crawl up mom's skirt..!
the whole time... my gals were just stunned at the behaviour...
all mom did was... 'please stop it'... in jap... while still holding onto his shirt... and boy is like all over the floor... with his head up her skirt... and trying to lift it up...
at this time hubby stood up from his seat... grabbed hold of the boy... looked him in the eye... and told him to sit down... and stop causing trouble... *my hero...* =)
but the peace didnt last 2 min... and he was up and tried to escape from his mom again... poor mom... from hubby's face... i could tell that he was so close to slapping the child... haha...
thankfully... we had reached the terminal... and we all got off the bus...
almost immediately... the gals started talking about the incident... and then asked us what we would have done if THEY were behaving like that in public...
i tried to think of an answer as to how i'd tackle such a situation... but hubby came in and said... 'we dont have to handle this... cos we know our gals will never behave like that in public'...
and that is so true... most 'manifestations' we so often see in public... are just because 'teaching' has been lacking at home...
like the case of the boy... if the boy had been taught the meaning of 'no'... or 'stop it' at home... or if mom has been consistent at home... such a scene may not have happened...
i feel really old when i broach this subject on parenting... like i belong to my mom's era... or even my grandma's... =P
parents in my generation seem to find it so difficult to say 'no' to their children... maybe it's because of the little time that they have with their children... and so... wanting each moment to be sweet and memorable...
we are so afraid to see the child cry... or fuss... or scream...
well... if the child has never been taught 'no'... yes... he'll cry... fuss and scream... all at the same time... and loudly too... but it'll all pass... he'll know that crying and fussing and screaming... will not get him what he wants...
sometimes.... in fact most of the times... it is our inconsistencies as parents... that have confused our children... we just wanna give them what they want... so that they'll stop bugging us...
but i personally think that it's a lose-lose situation... the child has lost the opportunity to learn... and the parents... the opportunity to seize that moment... and turn it into a teachable moment...
yes... all these take time... but it sure gets easier with time... and consistency...
and yes... you may sound and look so cruel compared to your peers... but keep at it for a few years... and see for yourself... the fruits of your labour...
learn to say 'no' to your children... even if they are just toddlers... it is a myth that they do not understand 'no'... of course they do... we just gotta be consistent... so that they know that 'no' means no... and not 'maybe... depending on your mood'...
the older boy was able to sit and be quiet... but oh... not the younger one... i reckon... about 6-7yo... and boy... wad a handful he was...
he refused to sit... wanted to run up and down the bus... and when mom tried to restrain him by grabbing the clothes of his left shoulder... he wiggled and whined... and then crawl up mom's skirt..!
the whole time... my gals were just stunned at the behaviour...
all mom did was... 'please stop it'... in jap... while still holding onto his shirt... and boy is like all over the floor... with his head up her skirt... and trying to lift it up...
at this time hubby stood up from his seat... grabbed hold of the boy... looked him in the eye... and told him to sit down... and stop causing trouble... *my hero...* =)
but the peace didnt last 2 min... and he was up and tried to escape from his mom again... poor mom... from hubby's face... i could tell that he was so close to slapping the child... haha...
thankfully... we had reached the terminal... and we all got off the bus...
almost immediately... the gals started talking about the incident... and then asked us what we would have done if THEY were behaving like that in public...
i tried to think of an answer as to how i'd tackle such a situation... but hubby came in and said... 'we dont have to handle this... cos we know our gals will never behave like that in public'...
and that is so true... most 'manifestations' we so often see in public... are just because 'teaching' has been lacking at home...
like the case of the boy... if the boy had been taught the meaning of 'no'... or 'stop it' at home... or if mom has been consistent at home... such a scene may not have happened...
i feel really old when i broach this subject on parenting... like i belong to my mom's era... or even my grandma's... =P
parents in my generation seem to find it so difficult to say 'no' to their children... maybe it's because of the little time that they have with their children... and so... wanting each moment to be sweet and memorable...
we are so afraid to see the child cry... or fuss... or scream...
well... if the child has never been taught 'no'... yes... he'll cry... fuss and scream... all at the same time... and loudly too... but it'll all pass... he'll know that crying and fussing and screaming... will not get him what he wants...
sometimes.... in fact most of the times... it is our inconsistencies as parents... that have confused our children... we just wanna give them what they want... so that they'll stop bugging us...
but i personally think that it's a lose-lose situation... the child has lost the opportunity to learn... and the parents... the opportunity to seize that moment... and turn it into a teachable moment...
yes... all these take time... but it sure gets easier with time... and consistency...
and yes... you may sound and look so cruel compared to your peers... but keep at it for a few years... and see for yourself... the fruits of your labour...
learn to say 'no' to your children... even if they are just toddlers... it is a myth that they do not understand 'no'... of course they do... we just gotta be consistent... so that they know that 'no' means no... and not 'maybe... depending on your mood'...
Sunday, 12 December 2010
christmas presents
told the gals that their presents this year will have to be inexpensive...
we dont wanna be spending on stuff like a unicyle... a bicycle... a laptop... cos it will mean that we will need to ship them back home in less than 4 months...
so for joanna and myself... we each got a down jacket from hubby... =)
we dont wanna be spending on stuff like a unicyle... a bicycle... a laptop... cos it will mean that we will need to ship them back home in less than 4 months...
so for joanna and myself... we each got a down jacket from hubby... =)
rachelle had a hard time deciding what she wanted for christmas... it was only yesterday that she decided to have a new hairdo for christmas... she wanted to have a fringe... for a change...
and so... we made an appointment with the only hairdresser we know... and arranged for her to have her hair done today...
and so... we made an appointment with the only hairdresser we know... and arranged for her to have her hair done today...
think rachelle looks good in her new hair-do..! =)
my present to hubby is a bag... rather unique... it's a tausche bag... didnt take a photo of it yet... but we think the bags are just so cool... made in germany... and the shop in japan... is 1 of the 5 in the world... 4 in germany...
this season used to be the 'wrapping season' for me... wrapping numerous presents... and new textbooks for thew new year... but this year... we're just shopping and eating..! =P
Saturday, 11 December 2010
和牛 {wa-gyu}
after over 8 months here in japan... we finally went to have some 和牛 beef for lunch today...
i had always thought that 和牛 was beef of a particular breed of cow from japan... but 和牛literally means 'japanese beef'... =P
hubby's classmate brought us to this place... the restaurant is called Mitoyazawa... and is very popular... and it's located in Gotanda... just 2 stations away from where we stay... it serves A5 grade 和牛 beef at very reasonable prices... as reasonable as half the price... compared to hotels and other restaurants...
the restaurant doesnt take any reservations... so you just gotta queue... but good thing is... the turn-over is rather high... so the wait wasnt too bad...
i had always thought that 和牛 was beef of a particular breed of cow from japan... but 和牛literally means 'japanese beef'... =P
hubby's classmate brought us to this place... the restaurant is called Mitoyazawa... and is very popular... and it's located in Gotanda... just 2 stations away from where we stay... it serves A5 grade 和牛 beef at very reasonable prices... as reasonable as half the price... compared to hotels and other restaurants...
the restaurant doesnt take any reservations... so you just gotta queue... but good thing is... the turn-over is rather high... so the wait wasnt too bad...
we ordered the lunch set today... a hamburg... with rice and salad... and it's the first time that i was eating a hamburg... with just a pair of chopsticks..!
when the meal came... it looked rather normal...
but when we cut it open... ooooh..! it looked so good..! cant wait to sink my teeth into it..!
unlike most patties... there wasnt a trace of fat in it... it was pure meat..! and it seems to just melt in your mouth..! simply delicious..!
Thursday, 9 December 2010
natural insulation..?
as temperatures are dipping... we are putting on more clothes... more layers... but not the gals...
here i am... in a pair of warm track pants... a short-sleeved heat tech... a long-sleeved 100% premium cotton t-shirt... and a thick turtle-neck sweater...
rachelle's in a fleece pants... and a t-shirt from singapore..! looking at her makes me feel cold..! =P
persuading to wear more each morning is a challenge... they'd bargain... choosing to wear less than what they are told to...
like today... rachelle left for school in just her jeans and a t-shirt from singapore... then told her to put on her fleece jacket... which she did... made her promise to wear the jacket when outdoors... she agreed...
when she came home... she was just in her t-shirt and jeans... asked her where her jacket was... she said that it was in school... faint...
highest temp today in the day was just 12deg...
any how... i thank God for insulating them... =)
here i am... in a pair of warm track pants... a short-sleeved heat tech... a long-sleeved 100% premium cotton t-shirt... and a thick turtle-neck sweater...
rachelle's in a fleece pants... and a t-shirt from singapore..! looking at her makes me feel cold..! =P
persuading to wear more each morning is a challenge... they'd bargain... choosing to wear less than what they are told to...
like today... rachelle left for school in just her jeans and a t-shirt from singapore... then told her to put on her fleece jacket... which she did... made her promise to wear the jacket when outdoors... she agreed...
when she came home... she was just in her t-shirt and jeans... asked her where her jacket was... she said that it was in school... faint...
highest temp today in the day was just 12deg...
any how... i thank God for insulating them... =)
couple time
hubby had gone to college... just one... or two days... in the past 3 weeks maybe..? =P
and we've been going out everyday... even the manager (aka security guard) teased that we go 'dating' almost everyday... and very often... we'd bump into this korean lady who stays in the same building as us... and she'd tease us too...
i'm totally enjoying this time... aimless walks in shibuya... daikanyama... shinjuku... long coffee breaks... shopping... early christmas presents... =P
today... after seeing the gals off to school... we actually went back to sleep... till almost 11am..! such a luxury... really treasuring every moment of this...
though i shouldnt fear... or be anxious about what next year would be like... i worry lor... we're both starting our new jobs / positions next year... on the same day...
really wonder how much family... or even couple time we would be having...
but i really shouldnt think that way... 4 more months of this...
and even greater blessings when we get back home..! =)
and we've been going out everyday... even the manager (aka security guard) teased that we go 'dating' almost everyday... and very often... we'd bump into this korean lady who stays in the same building as us... and she'd tease us too...
i'm totally enjoying this time... aimless walks in shibuya... daikanyama... shinjuku... long coffee breaks... shopping... early christmas presents... =P
today... after seeing the gals off to school... we actually went back to sleep... till almost 11am..! such a luxury... really treasuring every moment of this...
though i shouldnt fear... or be anxious about what next year would be like... i worry lor... we're both starting our new jobs / positions next year... on the same day...
really wonder how much family... or even couple time we would be having...
but i really shouldnt think that way... 4 more months of this...
and even greater blessings when we get back home..! =)
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
stumped
last night's devotion was about how all of us are different... but yet all beautifully made by God... then joanna asked a very random question...
'brothers and sisters cannot marry each other right?'...
of course my immediate reply was 'no'...
then she went on... 'God only made Adam and Eve right..? then how..?'
i knew what she was getting at... if brothers and sisters are not allowed to marry each other... then how did it all start with just Adam and Eve..? how did the whole get so populated..?
stumped... i told her that i'll ask pastor PEW... LOL... =P
'brothers and sisters cannot marry each other right?'...
of course my immediate reply was 'no'...
then she went on... 'God only made Adam and Eve right..? then how..?'
i knew what she was getting at... if brothers and sisters are not allowed to marry each other... then how did it all start with just Adam and Eve..? how did the whole get so populated..?
stumped... i told her that i'll ask pastor PEW... LOL... =P
Monday, 6 December 2010
more cooking
just confirmed this morning that we'd be hosting 4 japanese from hubby's college on wednesday... and it's decided that it'll be a singaporean fare...
so we went through our stock of pre-mixes and came up with the menu... and it's gonna be groceries shopping tmrw...
and as we were walking around town... hubby asked if i had any plans for christmas... then he suggested if we could host a small party... for one or two of his classmates... both are alone this christmas... and hubby was thinking that it's not very nice to be spending christmas all alone... *awwww*
how could i say no..? i'd love to do that..! and so... we started thinking of the menu for a christmas party... turkey... honey-baked ham... christmas cake... wad else..?
then come january... we're hosting another couple at our place... this couple has made plans to visit singapore in the coming year...
yay..! sure would be able to finish our stock before we go back..! =)
so we went through our stock of pre-mixes and came up with the menu... and it's gonna be groceries shopping tmrw...
and as we were walking around town... hubby asked if i had any plans for christmas... then he suggested if we could host a small party... for one or two of his classmates... both are alone this christmas... and hubby was thinking that it's not very nice to be spending christmas all alone... *awwww*
how could i say no..? i'd love to do that..! and so... we started thinking of the menu for a christmas party... turkey... honey-baked ham... christmas cake... wad else..?
then come january... we're hosting another couple at our place... this couple has made plans to visit singapore in the coming year...
yay..! sure would be able to finish our stock before we go back..! =)
Sunday, 5 December 2010
parties
and i was just lamenting last month... how i miss throwing parties... and we just did 2 parties... back to back... just friday and saturday... phew..! =P
this is even more tough than throwing a party back at home..! cos it is not usual to cater... maybe it's just too expensive... so almost everything had to be home-cooked...
the funny thing about last night's party was... hubby and i are still confused... how we became the organisers for the party... all i did was to help design and do a poster in powerpoint... in fact... all the details of the party... what to bring... what to wear... where the party would be held... all these were told to me... all i did was to design a poster... period.
but last night... everyone came to thank us for the party... even the brain behind the party had to leave half-way for another function... leaving hubby to do the opening and closing of the party... funny... but it was ok... thank God that we are already so used to such stuff back at home... so it was really no sweat at all... =)
more parties to come... hosting one or two at our place... preparing singaporean food... thank God our parents came and replenished our supplies..!
i still love parties..! =P
this is even more tough than throwing a party back at home..! cos it is not usual to cater... maybe it's just too expensive... so almost everything had to be home-cooked...
the funny thing about last night's party was... hubby and i are still confused... how we became the organisers for the party... all i did was to help design and do a poster in powerpoint... in fact... all the details of the party... what to bring... what to wear... where the party would be held... all these were told to me... all i did was to design a poster... period.
but last night... everyone came to thank us for the party... even the brain behind the party had to leave half-way for another function... leaving hubby to do the opening and closing of the party... funny... but it was ok... thank God that we are already so used to such stuff back at home... so it was really no sweat at all... =)
more parties to come... hosting one or two at our place... preparing singaporean food... thank God our parents came and replenished our supplies..!
i still love parties..! =P
Saturday, 4 December 2010
feeding the 50 japanese
since the time the gals left for school today... i started to be busy...
started with preparation of the ingredients... thawing... soaking... chopping... slicing... measuring... washing... from 8 in the morning... to about 11.30am... that's when the first batch of claypot rice was cooked...
while the rice was being cooked... there was more to be done... like a veg side dish... done in japanese style... i've never prepared so much veg in my life..!
all in all... there were 6 batches of rice to be cooked... the last batch was done at about 5.30pm... just on time... the guests arrived at about 5.45pm...
just as the party was about to start... rachelle suggested for the foreign kiddos... to do an opening welcome... actually... they were lines from the recent school's play... but the guests were impressed nonetheless... =P
during the entire party... it was indeed a relief to see them enjoying themselves... as japanese cannot take spicy food rather well... the claypot rice was rather popular with them... =P
me too were mingling with the guests... no need much for an interpretor... just needed them to speak slowly... and most of them were able to communicate a little in english... so with gestures... it was quite ok... in fact i enjoyed going around and talking to them... hubby commented that he had been noticing me from a distance... and was proud that i could carry myself even among his japanese friends...
it was interesting to see how there was an opening speech... a introductory segment for the foreign students to introduce their families... and also a closing 'ceremony'... quite fun...
the kiddos were really a great help... serving ice cream... drinks... and even the cleaning up after the party... they were amazing...
all in all... it was a huge success...
actually... it's really all thanks to the wives... =P
started with preparation of the ingredients... thawing... soaking... chopping... slicing... measuring... washing... from 8 in the morning... to about 11.30am... that's when the first batch of claypot rice was cooked...
while the rice was being cooked... there was more to be done... like a veg side dish... done in japanese style... i've never prepared so much veg in my life..!
all in all... there were 6 batches of rice to be cooked... the last batch was done at about 5.30pm... just on time... the guests arrived at about 5.45pm...
just as the party was about to start... rachelle suggested for the foreign kiddos... to do an opening welcome... actually... they were lines from the recent school's play... but the guests were impressed nonetheless... =P
during the entire party... it was indeed a relief to see them enjoying themselves... as japanese cannot take spicy food rather well... the claypot rice was rather popular with them... =P
me too were mingling with the guests... no need much for an interpretor... just needed them to speak slowly... and most of them were able to communicate a little in english... so with gestures... it was quite ok... in fact i enjoyed going around and talking to them... hubby commented that he had been noticing me from a distance... and was proud that i could carry myself even among his japanese friends...
it was interesting to see how there was an opening speech... a introductory segment for the foreign students to introduce their families... and also a closing 'ceremony'... quite fun...
the kiddos were really a great help... serving ice cream... drinks... and even the cleaning up after the party... they were amazing...
all in all... it was a huge success...
actually... it's really all thanks to the wives... =P
Monday, 29 November 2010
日記 {nikki}
rachelle is required to write her 日記for the weekends every week... due every monday when she reaches the classroom...
in the beginning of the school year... she would write what she had wanted to say in english... then hubby would translate for her... then she would copy it into her 日記... and as she was copying... hubby would read to her what she was writing... and explain to her... sentence by sentence...
this went on for a while... it got a little stressful especially during the times when hubby was oso hard pressed for time... to complete his paper... in japanese...as well...
but i believe hubby's efforts had paid off... it was all worth the while...
for the past month... or even longer... she has not been asking hubby to help her with her日記... and last night... i saw her writing her own 日記..!
though written in simple japanese... i was so amazed... and to me... it's really quite an achievement..!
gals are really speaking quite a lot of japanese these days... especially when playing with their korean neighbours... cos japanese is their only common language... =)
in the beginning of the school year... she would write what she had wanted to say in english... then hubby would translate for her... then she would copy it into her 日記... and as she was copying... hubby would read to her what she was writing... and explain to her... sentence by sentence...
this went on for a while... it got a little stressful especially during the times when hubby was oso hard pressed for time... to complete his paper... in japanese...as well...
but i believe hubby's efforts had paid off... it was all worth the while...
for the past month... or even longer... she has not been asking hubby to help her with her日記... and last night... i saw her writing her own 日記..!
though written in simple japanese... i was so amazed... and to me... it's really quite an achievement..!
gals are really speaking quite a lot of japanese these days... especially when playing with their korean neighbours... cos japanese is their only common language... =)
busy week ahead
monday
~rest~
tuesday
~groceries @ jusco with hubby~
wednesday
~dinner with friends @ gogyo ramen~
thursday
~disneyland with 2 other families~
friday
~party where we need to provide 50 ppl with a taste of singapore~
saturday
~international potluck party~
sunday
~meeting my principal~
so busy... but i like this kind of busy-ness... =P
~rest~
tuesday
~groceries @ jusco with hubby~
wednesday
~dinner with friends @ gogyo ramen~
thursday
~disneyland with 2 other families~
friday
~party where we need to provide 50 ppl with a taste of singapore~
saturday
~international potluck party~
sunday
~meeting my principal~
so busy... but i like this kind of busy-ness... =P
friends and weekend
what a tiring weekend it was... but so much fun..! especially for the gals...
went to tokyo dome on saturday... kids just went on rides after rides... at the amusement park... it was there that rachelle told me how much fun she was having... and that she can hardly wait for thursday to come... cos she figured that it would be a whole lot more fun with another family..!
then we did dinner at a tonkatsu restaurant... and i asked the gals if they would want to join the family again the next day... and they eagerly said yes...
hubby had some work to do... so the gals and i headed off to meet them first...
we had a picnic out in a park... at tokyo midtown in roppongi... we always love to go there... very relaxed environment... and it was a nice weather to have a picnic...
so we headed to the supermarket to buy our food and drinks first...mainly sushi... yummy..!
then the kids ran off ahead of us to lay the picnic mat... and like most singaporeans... they chose a shady spot... aiyo... so cold... so we shifted right under the sun... and it was nice... actually it was a little hot... but only for a short while...
when the sun hid behind the buildings... it felt cold very quickly... but the kids did not feel cold at all... they were too busy running all around the park... playing games... and simply enjoying themselves...
hubby joined us after he had completed his stuff... and we headed to get hakone tickets for the family... and then to the arcade for the kids to enjoy themselves...
the day ended nicely with dinner... and ice cream... ice cream was fun... cos we bought from cold stones creamery... and the staff sang for tips... we just wanted them to sing... so i put in some money into the tip box... and they started singing..! with so much enthusiasm too..! it was all so cute and amusing to watch...
it was so nice catching up with someone from church... to hear a little about how church is like these days... just nice to be connected again...
lucky me has today to rest... while the gals and hubby are back at school... =P
cant wait for thursday to come..!
went to tokyo dome on saturday... kids just went on rides after rides... at the amusement park... it was there that rachelle told me how much fun she was having... and that she can hardly wait for thursday to come... cos she figured that it would be a whole lot more fun with another family..!
then we did dinner at a tonkatsu restaurant... and i asked the gals if they would want to join the family again the next day... and they eagerly said yes...
hubby had some work to do... so the gals and i headed off to meet them first...
we had a picnic out in a park... at tokyo midtown in roppongi... we always love to go there... very relaxed environment... and it was a nice weather to have a picnic...
so we headed to the supermarket to buy our food and drinks first...mainly sushi... yummy..!
then the kids ran off ahead of us to lay the picnic mat... and like most singaporeans... they chose a shady spot... aiyo... so cold... so we shifted right under the sun... and it was nice... actually it was a little hot... but only for a short while...
when the sun hid behind the buildings... it felt cold very quickly... but the kids did not feel cold at all... they were too busy running all around the park... playing games... and simply enjoying themselves...
hubby joined us after he had completed his stuff... and we headed to get hakone tickets for the family... and then to the arcade for the kids to enjoy themselves...
the day ended nicely with dinner... and ice cream... ice cream was fun... cos we bought from cold stones creamery... and the staff sang for tips... we just wanted them to sing... so i put in some money into the tip box... and they started singing..! with so much enthusiasm too..! it was all so cute and amusing to watch...
it was so nice catching up with someone from church... to hear a little about how church is like these days... just nice to be connected again...
lucky me has today to rest... while the gals and hubby are back at school... =P
cant wait for thursday to come..!
Friday, 26 November 2010
co-hosting
the 4 foreign students are hosting a party for their japanese course-mates... so a piece of paper was circulated... to see how many would be turning up for the party...
lo and behold... 45 people indicated that they would be coming... *stress*
though the 4 families are not required to prepare all the food by ourselves... we could order... or buy... but each family is to prepare at least something... a local dish from where we come from...
hubby and i discussed long and hard...
what should we bring to the table..? we only have one 16cm pot... a 26cm shallow pan... a 26cm sukiyaki pan... and that's it..! how to prepare..?
thought of making bak-kut-teh... but my 16cm pot can at most... cook 500g of pork ribs at any one time... how many times do i have to cook..?!?!
party's next friday... so anyone of you have any bright ideas... please... let me know... =P
lo and behold... 45 people indicated that they would be coming... *stress*
though the 4 families are not required to prepare all the food by ourselves... we could order... or buy... but each family is to prepare at least something... a local dish from where we come from...
hubby and i discussed long and hard...
what should we bring to the table..? we only have one 16cm pot... a 26cm shallow pan... a 26cm sukiyaki pan... and that's it..! how to prepare..?
thought of making bak-kut-teh... but my 16cm pot can at most... cook 500g of pork ribs at any one time... how many times do i have to cook..?!?!
party's next friday... so anyone of you have any bright ideas... please... let me know... =P
CG gathering
2 families from our CG back home would be visiting tokyo... 1 family's arriving today... and the other tomorrow... so fun..!
they didnt plan their holidays together... and since we had wanted to catch up with the families who are coming... i asked for their itineraries... and noticed that they would be visiting disneyland during the same period next week..!
and so... since hubby is still on 'leave' next week... i suggested for us to take the gals... and arranged to meet them at disneyland...
and yes..! we are meeting..! YAY..!
think it'll be so much fun for the kids... all 8 of them... =)
this would be our 3rd time there... but i believe will be the most memorable one... i mean each time we went... it was just the 4 of us... the gals would sometimes go on rides without hubby and i... no matter how fun... it was just the 4 of us...
but this time... they'd be riding with friends... how cool..!
it's forecasted to rain on that day... so gotta get all 8 kiddos to pray really hard..! =P
they didnt plan their holidays together... and since we had wanted to catch up with the families who are coming... i asked for their itineraries... and noticed that they would be visiting disneyland during the same period next week..!
and so... since hubby is still on 'leave' next week... i suggested for us to take the gals... and arranged to meet them at disneyland...
and yes..! we are meeting..! YAY..!
think it'll be so much fun for the kids... all 8 of them... =)
this would be our 3rd time there... but i believe will be the most memorable one... i mean each time we went... it was just the 4 of us... the gals would sometimes go on rides without hubby and i... no matter how fun... it was just the 4 of us...
but this time... they'd be riding with friends... how cool..!
it's forecasted to rain on that day... so gotta get all 8 kiddos to pray really hard..! =P
talking to strangers
being here in japan... had given us plenty of opportunity to meet new people... and make new friends...
and also the opportunity... to meet friends from home... whom we have not met for a very long time...
as the year end holidays are here... we have been having a constant flow of friends visiting tokyo... and so... lots of catching up... nice.. =)
we just caught up with hubby's secondary school pal and his wife... just 2 days ago... spent the day with them at asakusa... akihabara... and then decided to do dinner as well... so hubby and i headed off home to pick the gals up...
and at the dinner table... and esp at the dessert place... i noticed that the gals were able to carry themselves very much..!
they were sharing their experiences in the local school here... about the recent school play that they had... then rachelle went on to share more about her camp... about how they are allowed to use dangerous tools on their own...
looking at them converse... i couldnt help but swell with pride... the gals have not met the couple before... maybe once... along the streets back home...
i remembered how shy the gals used to be... especially in front of strangers... when introduced... they usually would shy away... and even if they spoke... there would be minimal eye contact... and with a very soft and weak voice...
guess this one-year exposure has made them more open... and also the short trip to perth... all these experiences have enriched them... i believe... =)
and also the opportunity... to meet friends from home... whom we have not met for a very long time...
as the year end holidays are here... we have been having a constant flow of friends visiting tokyo... and so... lots of catching up... nice.. =)
we just caught up with hubby's secondary school pal and his wife... just 2 days ago... spent the day with them at asakusa... akihabara... and then decided to do dinner as well... so hubby and i headed off home to pick the gals up...
and at the dinner table... and esp at the dessert place... i noticed that the gals were able to carry themselves very much..!
they were sharing their experiences in the local school here... about the recent school play that they had... then rachelle went on to share more about her camp... about how they are allowed to use dangerous tools on their own...
looking at them converse... i couldnt help but swell with pride... the gals have not met the couple before... maybe once... along the streets back home...
i remembered how shy the gals used to be... especially in front of strangers... when introduced... they usually would shy away... and even if they spoke... there would be minimal eye contact... and with a very soft and weak voice...
guess this one-year exposure has made them more open... and also the short trip to perth... all these experiences have enriched them... i believe... =)
Saturday, 20 November 2010
学芸会 {gaku-gei-gai}
the gals' school puts up a school play once every 2 years... and how fortunate they are to have this opportunity to be involved..!
each grade (aka level) puts up a short play... about 20min... and everyone is involved... that's what i especially like about the japanese culture... even the foreign students... they are each given a line... or sometimes more to say on stage...
the gals have been practising a lot at home... they seem to be able to recite the whole play..! it's amazing how much japanese they are spurting now... hubby and i are just so glad that we have placed them in a local public school...
parents were invited to watch the play today... and so... hubby and i went to give them the support...
when i was there... i absolutely understood nothing..! but i learnt a lot... as i observed how the whole play was put together... i cant help but feel that our kids in singapore are just so sheltered... maybe too privileged... to the extent they do not learn other life skills... =P
it was not as organised as the school play that my school put up last year... not so 'kilat'... not so pro... parents did not sit through the 6 plays... they would come jsut before their kid's play... and leave after the curtains close for the play...
even though there were no ushers... everyone seemed to know what to do... parents were telephoned the previous night (via a phone chain)... informing us that photography and video can only be taken at the designated area... marked out right at the back of the hall...
and really... no one... absolutely no one was seen taking a picture... nor videoing in their seats...
oh... did i mention that there were no mics..? yep... even with all the moving about of the parents... we could hear what was going on on stage... not only the children performing knew how to project their voices... discipline off-stage was also amazing...
and as i observed... there was no teacher around to do stuff for the children...
the props were rolled on and off stage... by students... even the spotlights were controlled by the students..! they took turns... if it was not their turn to appear on stage during their play... they would be manning the light...
back at home... we'd probably see the teachers scurrying from place to place to make sure that everything was in order... from ushering to technical stuff...
oh... no projector... nor laptop too... they used mahjong paper... to show what the title of the next play would be...
another amazing thing that struck me was when rachelle's class started to sing the final song... there were abt... maybe 50 children on stage... and they were LOUD..! no mics..! so lively... so happy...
i whispered to hubby... if there were just as many singapore kids up there... you wouldnt hear a thing without a mic...
among other observations... i can see how the students really own the play... how much pride they have... to do their part well... sometimes it's even not their job... they take it upon themselves to ensure that the play goes on smoothly...
so our education system... one of the best in the world..?
well... academically... maybe...
wholistically..? creatively..? life-skills..?
maybe still a long way to go...
each grade (aka level) puts up a short play... about 20min... and everyone is involved... that's what i especially like about the japanese culture... even the foreign students... they are each given a line... or sometimes more to say on stage...
the gals have been practising a lot at home... they seem to be able to recite the whole play..! it's amazing how much japanese they are spurting now... hubby and i are just so glad that we have placed them in a local public school...
parents were invited to watch the play today... and so... hubby and i went to give them the support...
when i was there... i absolutely understood nothing..! but i learnt a lot... as i observed how the whole play was put together... i cant help but feel that our kids in singapore are just so sheltered... maybe too privileged... to the extent they do not learn other life skills... =P
it was not as organised as the school play that my school put up last year... not so 'kilat'... not so pro... parents did not sit through the 6 plays... they would come jsut before their kid's play... and leave after the curtains close for the play...
even though there were no ushers... everyone seemed to know what to do... parents were telephoned the previous night (via a phone chain)... informing us that photography and video can only be taken at the designated area... marked out right at the back of the hall...
and really... no one... absolutely no one was seen taking a picture... nor videoing in their seats...
oh... did i mention that there were no mics..? yep... even with all the moving about of the parents... we could hear what was going on on stage... not only the children performing knew how to project their voices... discipline off-stage was also amazing...
and as i observed... there was no teacher around to do stuff for the children...
the props were rolled on and off stage... by students... even the spotlights were controlled by the students..! they took turns... if it was not their turn to appear on stage during their play... they would be manning the light...
back at home... we'd probably see the teachers scurrying from place to place to make sure that everything was in order... from ushering to technical stuff...
oh... no projector... nor laptop too... they used mahjong paper... to show what the title of the next play would be...
another amazing thing that struck me was when rachelle's class started to sing the final song... there were abt... maybe 50 children on stage... and they were LOUD..! no mics..! so lively... so happy...
i whispered to hubby... if there were just as many singapore kids up there... you wouldnt hear a thing without a mic...
among other observations... i can see how the students really own the play... how much pride they have... to do their part well... sometimes it's even not their job... they take it upon themselves to ensure that the play goes on smoothly...
so our education system... one of the best in the world..?
well... academically... maybe...
wholistically..? creatively..? life-skills..?
maybe still a long way to go...
Thursday, 18 November 2010
desperately in need of a strategy..!
opened my email... and i think i stopped breathing for a while... received an email from my principal..?!?! and she's coming to japan..!?!? *panics*
she is asking for a favour with one of her luggage... which is no problem at all...
but...
what if...
she asks...
'when are you coming back to school?'...
what am i going to say..? i have not told her my plans for next year... and i dun think that it's a good idea to do it face to face... i can almost imagine what she might say...
arrrggghhhhhhhh...
so should i submit my resignation letter first..? then reply her email to say that i can help her with the luggage..?
or
help her first... then when we meet... prays that she does not ask me..? *i dun think so*
or
dun help at all... say not free... *but means i'll be lying*
or
pray that i'll not be free during that time..?
or what..???
stress...
maybe... i'll just help... if she asks... tell it to her straight... and face the music... cos nothing's gonna change right..?
ah... duno la... will not respond to the email first... let me think and sleep over it...
she is asking for a favour with one of her luggage... which is no problem at all...
but...
what if...
she asks...
'when are you coming back to school?'...
what am i going to say..? i have not told her my plans for next year... and i dun think that it's a good idea to do it face to face... i can almost imagine what she might say...
arrrggghhhhhhhh...
so should i submit my resignation letter first..? then reply her email to say that i can help her with the luggage..?
or
help her first... then when we meet... prays that she does not ask me..? *i dun think so*
or
dun help at all... say not free... *but means i'll be lying*
or
pray that i'll not be free during that time..?
or what..???
stress...
maybe... i'll just help... if she asks... tell it to her straight... and face the music... cos nothing's gonna change right..?
ah... duno la... will not respond to the email first... let me think and sleep over it...
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